Q&A with Juliana Silva - Community Insights and the Evolution of the Incubator Program
Q: Tell me a bit about you! What is your background in work and education, what brought you to Rochester, and what are some of your hobbies and interests?
A: I have a Bachelor in Business and an MBA, and my background blends marketing experience with a love for numbers—I’m a bit of a finance geek at heart. I’ve always been drawn to spaces where strategy, creativity, and community impact come together, which led me to work across both startups and mission-driven organizations.
I originally moved to Rochester from Colombia when my husband began his training at Mayo. What started as a personal move turned into a professional opportunity—I found a growing city with a strong sense of community and a lot of untapped entrepreneurial potential.
Outside of work, I love traveling—Japan was one of my favorite recent adventures. I also enjoy connecting with new people, and diving into podcast about personal finance and entrepreneurship while working out.
Q: We recently concluded our third cohort of the Collider Community Incubator program, how have you seen the program evolve and change over the last few cohorts to best serve the participants?
A: We just wrapped up our third cohort, and the program has really evolved. We’ve been refining it to offer participants a better experience—one that’s more aligned with the stage their business is in. That means more relevant workshops, targeted content, and support that truly meets them where they are.
We also introduced a prize during Demo Day to recognize the hard work participants have put in throughout the program. It’s become more than a final presentation—it’s a celebration of their growth and effort.
Q: What are some of the most unique or interesting businesses you’ve seen come through the program?
A: That’s such a hard question because every business is interesting in its own way. One that stands out is Wren Writing, an app designed to help writers stay motivated and finish their projects. It’s been incredible to see how the founder refined the idea during the incubator and went on to compete in the Ignite Cup and most recently in MN Cup.
What I find most inspiring is that these businesses are deeply rooted in the founder’s personal experience and community needs. They’re not just building products—they’re solving real challenges with purpose and a deep personal meaning.
Q: What inspired you to develop the incubator program? What gap in Rochester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem does it fill?
A: We noticed that while Rochester had some startup resources, there was a missing step—something to support people in the very early stages, especially those who didn’t see themselves as "traditional entrepreneurs."
The incubator is meant to be that soft landing. A place where people can test ideas, build confidence, and grow in a supportive environment without having to be pitch-ready or tech-focused. It fills a gap by being accessible, human-centered, and rooted in relationships—not just business plans.
Q: What are some of your thoughts on building inclusive, diverse economic entrepreneurial ecosystems? How do you feel that Collider works toward that in Rochester?
A: Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. From offering programs at no cost, to providing interpretation, to partnering with community leaders—we’re intentional about removing barriers to access.
We know that entrepreneurship can be a pathway to generational wealth and community impact, so we make sure our programs reflect the diversity of the city.
It’s also about listening. We don’t assume what people need—we co-create programs with the communities we serve.
Q: What do you think is the greatest challenge Rochester entrepreneurs are currently facing? What can ecosystem builders do to help?
A: One of the biggest challenges is access—whether that’s access to capital, space, networks, or just plain confidence. A lot of early-stage entrepreneurs are doing everything on their own, and it can be overwhelming. They need people who believe in them before the traction shows up.
As ecosystem builders, we can help by showing up consistently, making connections that matter, and making resources easier to navigate.
Q: Do you have any advice or insights to share with early stage or aspiring entrepreneurs in Rochester?
A: Start small, but start. Clarity comes from doing—not from waiting until everything is perfect. Surround yourself with community. You don’t need to go it alone, and you’re not supposed to. And don’t underestimate the power of your story—your background, your challenges, your experiences—they all shape the value you bring through your business.
Learn more about the Collider Community Incubator here! Applications for our fall cohort will open soon!
